meimei

This is such a good coming of age movie. A lot of underlying message and realizations.

"I wish I could love you back" - Zheng Yu Xing

"He won't harm her (something along those lines)" - ZYX's father

These two lines made me realize who ZYX was. It's something I didn't expect at all but glad that the writers/directors made it that way.

It's just unfortunate that the plot was a bit problematic in a sense that there was an intrusion on privacy, how the adults and other people were too invested towards their relationship. i just didn't get how they always had a "say" on their behalf. I also would like to pinpoint the parents, how they handled the situations because that's just not it.

Nonetheless, i still enjoyed it and glad to find this gem.

Indeed, one of the best movies this 2024. Although the plot may seem cliché, it's still good and engaging enough to hold your interest. In addition, the pacing is just as right and the acting? *chef's kiss* I've always known Greg Hsu and he never failed me. Props to the actress as well, Kiyohara Kaya, not familiar with her but i feel like because of this movie, i wanted to check her other works.

Above all, as someone who's struggling with life, the pressure of knowing your purpose and your end goal, this really gave me comfort. I've always had this "what-ifs" but Ami made me realize that life is so much more.

Before i get to the review, let me say that i'm glad that i was able to discover this drama/series through Tiktok. It was like finding a gem and i guess, this was close to it.

Now to my review, it's a slow-burn romance that definitely captured my heart in some way. While it had my attention for the first part, it felt flat and draggy towards the end. Perhaps, the episodes played a big part since it was 30 episodes when it could be 20 to 24? Furthermore, I didn't have a problem with the chemistry, it was the best thing that this drama/series had to offer for the viewers. The eye contact, kisses, etc. between the ML and FL always had me though it's just a bit disappointing that the longer it gets, the more I lose the sparks or connection between them? It's like the ML started to feel like monotonous? and for the FL, there were some scenes in which her shyness and refusal irked me (like it was okay at first since she's new to it but the latter felt recurring since there wasn't much of a build-up with how she treats him compared to how he treats her in the relationship. don't get me wrong, i saw the little improvements but i guess i expected more) As for the plot, it was decent and not much of complexity so it was easy to follow and understand.

Overall, i would say that it's still a good c-drama. Somehow, better than the others that were released during this time.

Although I've seen a lot of films or dramas with a similar approach, this one somehow touched me. Perhaps lacking for some, but I really enjoyed the first half and the way it conveyed the meaning of the title. I specifically love the line "I want to fulfill her dreams, since I don't have one" Such a powerful statement i believe. Apart from those, i also love how the girl wasn't naive. Her awareness towards someone she truly loves made me believe that love indeed has no bounds.

However, with all these good sides, I wouldn't say that it's also the best. I didn't like how violence was involved, it's totally unnecessary, and how the second half of the movie became boring and felt rushed. The climax didn't really get to me and it seems as though that the movie was filled with irrelevant scenes to make up for the running time.

Nonetheless, i personally love the visuals and the acting of the actors and actresses. Definitely the reason why I decided to finish the movie.

I recently just finished watching Chastity High, so when this movie with English subtitles came out (thanks to furritsubs btw), I didn't hesitate to go and watch it. Having said that, I feel as though I had high expectations for it because I'm a huge fan of Miyase Ryubi and Tsuna Keito (8LOOMY here). While the idea of hopeless romance appeals to me since I can relate to the FL so much (her acting and expressions were impressive though) but the overall storyline and chemistry didn't really get to me. It was rather odd and overdone in a sense? Don't get me wrong, I mean I get that it was the whole idea, that it was the title itself but i guess, i had different assumptions or views (as soon as I watched the trailer). I also didn't think there was much of a build-up so that was quite disappointing. Regardless, I kinda enjoyed it. It was light, cute, and easy to watch. Something you can go for to kill your time. 7/10.

Just finished watching this, a good movie to kill your time. 7/10. I wouldn't say it's the best but not the worst either. Positive note, I find it very cute and light. It was easy to watch because the story wasn't that complex. The visuals are also top-tier. Both were really attractive and good-looking especially Hata Mei. The 2FL and 2ML were also cute. Honestly, they reminded me of the actors and actresses of the Chinese Drama "Go Ahead" especially the ML and the 2ML. On the negative note, it's a typical love story and the acting wasn't really giving much though i kinda enjoyed Hata Mei (FL)'s expression/s but Takahashi Kyohei (ML) needs to step up a bit. Nonetheless, the fact that this movie was relatable in a sense and it allowed me to experience that emotion once more, it brought me joy.

I enjoyed this drama with the first several episodes but after a while, it started to get repetitive and boring (except the humourous scenes). I honestly think that I lean more on the FL and the 2ML rather than the ML himself. I'm not sure if it's because the romance between FL and ML seemed to be slow or worse, lacking. Nonetheless, i didn't feel much the chemistry. Oh well, don't get me started with the predictable villain and whatever he does. It was rather obvious than thrilling. I wasn't even trying to pinpoint who's who or what he's gonna do. Overall, i just feel like this could be done in 12 episodes or 10 episodes because the plot itself isn't really that complex (besides the idea of changing human bodies depending on the day)

Okay, i take back with what i've said towards JH (i'm so sorry 😭). I mean i already stated before that YW and JW deserve each other because of the way they tried to manipulate others but dang, not only they deserve each other, they're total a**hole(s).

To clarify, it was sort of an issue with me (I apologize for that) I was able to see YJ's character development until the end of the current episode but as someone who experienced the same thing for so long and still experiencing it, it was a struggle or difficult for me to trust his actions despite his efforts.

I might have missed something (which I ended up blaming JH) and that, i agree and i apologize but i don't think I gave a clean cheat with JW? Like i literally said it with my last statement that JW wasn't having a hard time choosing because all along it was YW for her (which implies that I also didn't like how she acted). I also stated that the worst side of the show would be YW and JW, and that they both deserve each other because of the way they tried to manipulate others.

As for JH-JY, I still stand with what i've said. Indeed, he was clear from the start but i guess still lacking in my opinion, like he wasn't stern (?) with his rejection towards her. He was honest but not enough to slap her with the reality. Regardless, i also stated at the last part that I wasn't happy anymore with what she's doing. The q/a was a huge turning point, that I already lost my respect for her.

Let me post my opinion about everything since i've already finished all the current episodes.

ABOUT THE SHOW:
(1) This program is the most thrilling but at the same time, frustrating dating show that i've ever watched. It was thrilling in the sense that the participants considered their partners the same way how they also considered their siblings. It's a matter of both their partners and their siblings.
(2) I also love all of the hosts (i'm pretty much familiar with all of them but even if that's the case, i'm still quite picky or nit-picky with how the hosts handle the show). Nonetheless, they're genuine and honest with their comments which i enjoyed greatly as a viewer.
(3) I think this show also had the most airtime or screentime compared to the previous dating shows that i've watched. Usually, it only takes an hour for one episode but this one, 2 hours and more for every episode (and that's what i also liked about it). Not to mention, the amount of episodes? Wow. That's a lot for one dating show.
(4) Of course, I wouldn't miss the budget. They even went to Singapore.
(5) As much as how natural the hosts were, the participants also have shown how authentic they were (either good or bad). I often don't believe in dating shows to be real (like i'm always sure that it's scripted but this one, i didn't even think that it's scripted)

FOR THE PARTICIPANTS:
THE GOOD SIDES:
(1) In terms of siblings, CA and CH were the most remarkable. They're the warmest, the most compassionate, and most mature siblings ever. I didn't have any problems or issues with their opinion, feelings, etc. Special mention, JH and SS as well as JS and YH.
(2) In terms of partners, I would give it to YH and YJ. Although I didn't like much YJ as an older brother or as a sibling despite his character development with the recent episodes (I can empathize with JW) but as a partner, he's definitely one of the greenest (reliable, honest, fun to be with, can cook, can sing). He didn't allow himself to be persuaded by other people, instead he focused on his and her feelings.
(3) If i have to choose a guy, that would be CH. I don't know why the girls didn't see the best in him? Like he's so attractive especially the way he smiles. He's free-spirited and understanding. (Even in the last moment, he still sacrificed for JW's sake) As for JH and YJ, i did like them at some point but there were situations that made me feel disappointed.
(4) If i'm a guy, i would choose CA because she's really the most ideal woman in every aspect. I would've chosen SS and YH too but not for the same reason.

THE BAD SIDES:
(1) Honestly, the relationship between CA and YW as well as SS and JS felt suffocating. It's as if i'm walking on eggshells watching them both. I was so happy with CA and YW (at first) not until that jerk ruined it. I didn't like how it was so easy for him to throw everything away and even tried to put the blame on her. As for SS and JS, i feel like they might be compatible at some points but the way they communicate and handle their situation seemed to be immature and purely emotional. I couldn't fathom how they focused on trying to nitpick each other's past decisions, assumptions, etc. I'm not saying that they completely shouldn't but it's the way every chance that they get and meet each other, there's always a tension. (And there we have it, the secret date was the end. Even they have the same age, their perspective about relationship and life in general don't really match)

(2) As for JH and JY, it was painful to watch the same way as JH and JW but yeah, most of them were somehow valid and i can see why they made those decisions. JH is charming, mostly honest, and knew his worth but in those crucial moments, he definitely missed to be more himself and to act more sensible or rational (?) For JY, she's so dense but at the same time, i couldn't entirely blame her because if only JH told her everything (like how he didn't see her as a woman, not even once) immediately no matter how painful it might be for her plus before he got invested so much with JW, i think it would've been less painful and easy to move on (although the last or current ep. was annoying 'cause she already got rejected and it was so damn clear from that moment they had a long convo. that he's already invested to JW but she still insisted through the q/a that there might be a sudden twist, it's such a desperate move like girl wake up 😭) For JW, i believe small things matter to her the most knowing her background and with her brother. Those few or several situations where he was indifferent and timid/lost (?) threw her off. That's also the start when she felt like she's losing her interest with him and eventually, it became quite clear when she finally had a conversation with him at the balcony. As for the secret date up to the question and answer portion, i don't think JW was having a hard time to choose 'cause the moment they sat together, I already felt like there was a sudden realization, that it's always been YW for her (because they definitely clicked the first time they met but unfortunately, they didn't have chances to know more of each other because YW already had someone that time). She's just indenial and felt sad or guilty for JH because she's aware how he's already too invested to her.

WORST SIDES:
(1) Both YW and JW deserve each other (in a negative way) because they're vague and complicated to understand. It's frustrating how they tried to lead on others especially YW. Their actions don't match with their words.
(2) I find it funny how JW told her brother that she was the reason behind the negative emotions and that she's having a hard time because of it (like girl, you're indeed one of the problem along with YW)
(2) Also, YW is just there for the thrill/spark. Believe me. If he managed to change his feelings for CA right away then it's bound to happen again with his next partner.

I expected so much from this drama knowing i'm a sucker for this genre and setting (school) I tried finishing it for the sake of giving it a chance but nowhere it exceeded my expectations. It was predictable, foolish or a mess, and not remarkable at all. I believe the only good thing about this was the cinematography (the visuals) but the plot? acting? characterization? I believe it needs to be more polished.

Don't get me wrong. It's mid/watchable so if you're still curious or you want(ed) to kill your time, go ahead. It's just that in my own perspective, i had huge hope(s) for this drama to be big because i'm very much aware with most of the actors and actresses. Plus, the trailer really filled me with excitement.

I used to think that i wouldn't feel attached to this drama due to the lack of chemistry of the main leads. Worse, even thought of dropping it but guess what? it's definitely one of my favorite k-dramas now. The character development of the main leads together with the family? plus the plot? *chef's kiss*

P.S. Hands down to Park Soyi (Yina). She's one of the reasons why i decided to continue this drama. Her acting skills are top-tier and i can see that she will be one of the top actresses in the future.

I honestly love the plot and twists to this drama but unfortunately, i couldn't seem to get the chemistry of the main leads which is one of the most important factor for me whenever i watch a drama. Idk but it seems like it was the FL for me? I'm still trying tho. since currently, there are only 4 episodes. Probably will give a chance for few more.

woah, then that might be it. thank you for sharing it. (though the other part of me, of course, i still want a happy ending and that is both of them having a good life and them as partners)

i feel like this is going to be a sad reality for im sol. i mean her, going back to the past doesn't necessarily mean that she can change the end of the future (which is the present of sunjae passing away) but being able to experience things with him when he's still alive and finding the sole reason why he passed away. in that way, she could get the proper closure with him. if not, there's this part of me that believes she can change his future (present of sunjae passing away) but not her (meaning she will still lose her legs but at that time, she will be able to save him . . because she already knows the reason why he passed away)

note: a lot of clues were given in the recent episodes that imply it's foreshadowing.

i wanna add, i just finished watching the previews for ep. 9 so it kinda changed my perspective. sol was given a last chance to change their fate and taesung will play an important role in saving them (?) just like his father. nonetheless, i still don't trust in hyuk and their manager. i feel like they could be the person behind that man.

indeed, there's just a lot of clues :(( the ending of ep. 8 as well.

I'm at episode 5 and i already have a lot of things to say.
For the guys,
• To be honest, i saw it coming. From the very beginning, i've always thought that JS felt off. Turns out, he's indeed a red flag. I couldn't even explain how he's a pain in the neck. He likes having options. He's clearly attracted to CA but trying to play safe with SS. Just a lot of instances wherein he's so problematic, a people-pleaser, an attention seeker, a narcissist. The worst scenario was when he tried to make SS guilty for A DAMN WALK with CH. It gave me the biggest ick. Now, I just found another one "It's a chance for her to find out more about others" AND WHEN SHE DID? WHAT DID YOU DO?
• As for YW, I love how he always reassures CA. He tried to be open with others and had a few dates with JW but at the end, he followed his heart. Regardless, i feel like he should clear things up with JW.
• For CH, somewhat a nice guy but it's quite off when he's so into the brother-in-law thingy? Cute at first but a little bit controlling to some extent?
• My biggest pick for the guys would be JH. I feel like he's the realest? He can be funny, childish, etc. but he's also rational and mature in a sense? He wasn't chosen for a lot of times already but he wasn't sulky and moved on immediately. He was positive the whole time, the same as YH.

For the women, i honestly love majority of them because they all have different personalities but if i have to choose my favorite, it would be YH. Like JH, she's very positive. They're both charming, smart, and kind.

This is one of the best k-dramas that i've watched so far in my whole life as a fan. No boring episodes, minimal or almost no plotholes, the acting was superb, and the development of the characters? Definitely, satisfactory. Not to mention, the amount of episodes. They didn't drag it up to 12 or 16 episodes to make it longer. 10 was enough to justify the whole story. With that, this deserves more recognition and high ratings.

Also, i'm seeing a lot of praise about Jang Da A and Shin Seul Ki's acting given that this is their debut drama which they certainly deserved it by the way, but personally, I have to give this to Bona. I'm not new to her acting anymore because i've seen her previous dramas however, this was different. She's the perfect main role for this. Her delivery of the lines was spectacular, it was so good to the point that I had to repeat it over and over again. Her emphasis on every line speaks so many volumes (although that was the case for Da A as well) but through her lines, i love how she was able to prove to me that she could beat Harin at all costs. It was like her saying "you think you're better?" or "you think you can ruin me?" There's this immense satisfaction in her character which is why i really love her.

About the ending, it was also enough for me. I honestly wanted to see something fun or bright scenes at the end, because with all the struggles that they faced, they deserve to have more of those carefree moments but i have yet to give this to the writer, director, etc. of this drama because it was more realistic in a sense. They gave this idea that the pyramid game is an image of a never-ending system (of evil deeds, injustices, etc.) It's a cycle and unfortunately, it's the reality of life (it happens in real life), of our society. Hence, i don't think this needs a season 2. It's perfect as it is.

After scrolling several comments, finally, i found the best explanation to what i've felt with the latest episodes. It's as if i wasn't watching the same drama because of the inconsistencies with a lot of things (character, acting, plot, etc.) To be fair, i'm such a big fan of the main leads (Jongseo, Sangmin, Dowan) but there were scenes which were lacking (in ep. 7 and 8)